Who drives NR test trains?

[jazzy]

Given that they traverse most of the network at some point, who drives the Network Rail test trains? How do they cover the route knowledge? Is there any special technique or behaviours required as part of the testing or are they driven as any other train?

TIA

Given that they traverse most of the network at some point, who drives the Network Rail test trains? How do they cover the route knowledge? Is there any special technique or behaviours required as part of the testing or are they driven as any other train?

TIA

Also, when such a train is cancelled en route, as it looks like it was last night ( https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:H16313/2024-11-01/detailed ), what happens to the crew? Do they have accommodation aboard?

 

[_toommm_]

I believe the contract is currently with Colas. As they operate freight trains, they have a large route knowledge anyway, and there's dedicated drivers for the NR trains.

They also utilise route conductors. In terms of accommodation, the staff will be booked into hotels, but some of the trains also utilise ex. sleeper coaches for accommodation too.

 

[dk1]

GA asked for volunteers to refresh 153s to operate some of the test trips in East Anglia on behalf of NR. This did happen with drivers getting released but came to nothing in the end so all elapsed after 6 months.

 

[bengley]

I believe the contract is currently with Colas. As they operate freight trains, they have a large route knowledge anyway, and there's dedicated drivers for the NR trains.

They also utilise route conductors. In terms of accommodation, the staff will be booked into hotels, but some of the trains also utilise ex. sleeper coaches for accommodation too.

Mostly right.

We lodge in hotels but there is absolutely no lodging on trains. That stopped in Serco days, probably 15+ years ago. The sleeper coaches are brake force runners.

We do get route conducted but the whole network is covered by dedicated IM drivers so it's only necessary to be route conducted when the drivers who sign the route are on leave/sick/etc.

 

[jazzy]

Mostly right.

We lodge in hotels but there is absolutely no lodging on trains. That stopped in Serco days, probably 15+ years ago. The sleeper coaches are brake force runners.

We do get route conducted but the whole network is covered by dedicated IM drivers so it's only necessary to be route conducted when the drivers who sign the route are on leave/sick/etc.

So would that service terminating at Bristol instead of returning to Derby been a hasty call to Travelodge?

 

[DarloRich]

the staff will be booked into hotels, but some of the trains also utilise ex. sleeper coaches for accommodation too.

there is no "lodging" (?) on the train. I am always surprised it was allowed. The facilities were basic.

 

[Welshguy1048]

Mostly right.

We lodge in hotels but there is absolutely no lodging on trains. That stopped in Serco days, probably 15+ years ago. The sleeper coaches are brake force runners.

We do get route conducted but the whole network is covered by dedicated IM drivers so it's only necessary to be route conducted when the drivers who sign the route are on leave/sick/etc.

@BenG

Mostly right.

We lodge in hotels but there is absolutely no lodging on trains. That stopped in Serco days, probably 15+ years ago. The sleeper coaches are brake force runners.

We do get route conducted but the whole network is covered by dedicated IM drivers so it's only necessary to be route conducted when the drivers who sign the route are on leave/sick/etc.

@bengley

Hello

What are "IM Drivers" please?

Dave

 

[swt_passenger]

Hello

What are "IM Drivers" please?

Dave

“Infrastructure Monitoring” is the term used when they’re recruiting drivers.

 

[bengley]

@BenG

@bengley

Hello

What are "IM Drivers" please?

Dave

Colas Infrastructure Monitoring drivers

 

[twpsaesneg]

there is no "lodging" (?) on the train. I am always surprised it was allowed. The facilities were basic.

Iris 2's bunks were great!

 

[Welshguy1048]

Colas Infrastructure Monitoring drivers

@bengley

Thank you

Dave

“Infrastructure Monitoring” is the term used when they’re recruiting drivers.

@swt_passenger

Thank you

Dave